My Life Blossoms

Time to move on

Michelle — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:20:00 GMT

Well it's been a very difficult week. I had to cancel my workshops due to a lack of interest. I've been in denial believing that all of my efforts would one day magically turn into this wonderful garden retreat. But no one is reading my blog or responding to my group on Facebook or signing up for my workshops. Whether I'm ahead of my time or out in my own little world, I now realize it's time to stop these exercises in futility. My last blog wasn't going to be long - so here is what I know.
I have been writing this simple statement out for the last couple weeks in my morning pages. It's from Marianne Williamson A Course in Miracles.
"Preparing for a miracle - Even though this situation looks bad (or hopeless or endless - I am opening a window of possibility to an unexpected outcome." Isn't that an amazing way to keep the faith?

I believe this will all come together as something magical called my life.

Possibilities and Hope

Michelle — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 13:02:00 GMT

Hope is something you hear in every success story. I just watched the movie The Pursuit of Happyness last weekend. And it was such a learning lesson. I love that it was based on a true story - that someone actually had that much hope that he created his amazing success - 1 excruciating step at a time because of his hope and faith in the possibility of success for him and his son.

My lesson has been that if you aren't open to possibilities they will pass you by. Sometimes you don't even know you had an opportunity because you were unaware of it's potential. For your health and wellness I don't know of anything that is more of a motivator than hope and possibility.  It is where all of life's changes and transformations begin.

As you step outside of your comfort zone and apply yourself to a healthier lifestyle the possibilities are endless. When you have more energy, you're sleeping better and thinking clearer the world seems to expand, breath in techni color.  How do we get better at having hope and recognizing our possibilities? There is no other way other than to practice. To expand. To grow. In the movie the character played by Will Smith didn't sit idly by and wait for his machines to sell or his new job to appear. There was action. And lots of it.

I want to help others awaken to all of their possibilities through stillness and self care. My workshop series that is starting this fall is a great way to begin. These are 2 very different workshops working on different aspects of health and wellness. Check out the blog submission regarding the workshop series titled Fall Into You posted last week. Today is the last day for early registration.

Quotes
We can't become what we need by remaining what we are. Max Dupree

Hope is the companion of power, and mother of success; for who so hopes strongly has within him the gift of miracles. Samuel Smiles

When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid. Audre Lorde   That sounds like something a Goddess would say!

Apology

Michelle — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:40:00 GMT

I have to apologize for all of the emails you received yesterday from my blog. I understand how annoying it is to receive unnecessary emails. As you saw, it took me at least 6 times to rectify the problems. Please take a look at one of the posts from yesterday! Thanks to my loyal readers who alerted me to the issue.

Quotes
The only person who never makes mistakes is the person who never does anything. Denis Waitley

There is nothing wrong with making mistakes. Just don't respond with encores. Author unknown

Fall Into You WORKSHOP SERIES CANCELLED

Michelle — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:10:00 GMT

THIS WORKSHOP SERIES HAS BEEN CANCELLED as of September 2, 2009

Dragonflies and Daisies The Garden Retreat

presents 2 workshops in the Series

Fall Into You

Use the changing of the seasons to fall into the real you

using the workshops to take self care to a whole new level!

To all of the girls, women, ladies, friends and family who would like to spend some time together in a natural, nurturing setting this series will allow you to do that.

The workshops begin Saturday September 12^th with the second following shortly after on Saturday September 19^th. Both will be held in Stavely, Alberta (just an hour south of Calgary or an hour north of Lethbridge on Hwy 2). Each 5 hour workshop is time spent dedicated to you.

Ø September 12^th Meeting Your Goddess.

The Creative Process to define and honor her.

Do you love yourself enough to call yourself a goddess?

Learn more about how to be a goddess by exploring the ideas of beauty, passion, intuition and power with teachers living and using these techniques in their every day lives. Belly dancing will allow you to get in touch with your goddess in a physical way. Learn about beauty using the most colorful facial you've ever had. Feel passion from someone balancing motherhood and her dream as a jewelery designer.

Ø September 19^th Practical Tools for Improving your Health and Wellness.

Acquire tools to energize your health goals. First we will assess your fitness level, work on setting goals, discuss nutrition and share healthy, practical recipes, and healthy ways to relieve stress. An experienced local yoga teacher will lead us through the basics of yoga.

Early registration pricing is available until Monday, August 31^st.

When registration and payment is received by Monday, August 31^st you will receive a $10 discount.

When you register and pay for both workshops by Monday, August 31^st you will receive a $25 discount.

Each workshop is regularly priced at $57 including lunch.

Each workshop runs from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Register now by contacting Michelle Collins of Dragonflies and Daisies at dragonfly@platinum.ca or by telephone 403-549-2031. PayPal and cheques accepted.

Some healthy recipes

Michelle — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 12:48:00 GMT

This week I am going to give you some of my easy recipes that you can go to when you feel you need to inject your menus with something different. Believe me our meals don't look that different on a weekly basis. A small portion of meat and lots of veggies is usually all we need for supper. Sometimes some oven or BBQ roasted sweet potatoes in olive oil and spices are there too. This time of year corn on the cob is a great treat, butter and all!

I am really enjoying edamame (aka soybeans) as a great snack. I can only get them in the city. They are found in the frozen vegetable section. You boil them for a couple of minutes then rinse in cold water. Sprinkle with sea salt. They do have a tough skin so I just bite the beans out. They are yummy and Gentry quite enjoys them too.

Here is another way to enjoy salsa (they specify it be cooked salsa because the tomatoes are way better for you when cooked). Add the spicy salsa to a mashed avocado with chopped onions and garlic. So you've got an easy guacamole dip. I enjoy it for lunch with crackers, or whole grain taco chips or celery or whatever you can think of.

Another way to use avocado is in sandwiches. This is an Avocado tuna wrap. I am not a tuna fan - I don't find it has much taste. But this one was tasty. This recipe is from the July 2009 Chatelaine. To your drained, canned tuna add lemon juice and dill weed. You might need a little mayo to moisten it. I didn't need much. Stir gently, but keep it chunky. You will thinly slice 1/2 a red pepper, 1/4 red onion and 1/2 avocado. On the whole wheat tortilla spread hummus (YUM!) then the other fixings and roll it up. This makes 2 wraps.

I will save and keep adding to these in the nutrition blogs. If any of you have any equally simple recipes please share them!! I know how easy it is to get bored with what we eat. If you can throw in a new snack, or a different combination it's all good.

Quotes
Fix your eyes forward on what you can do, not back on what you cannot change. Tom Clancy How easy is it to live in the past playing the "should have" game. Instead work on what you can do in this moment to make a difference.

Effective communication is 20% what you know and 80% how you feel about what you know. Jim Rohn I can think of many people who know lots of stuff but can't express how they feel about it. What a difference that would make.

The problems of the world cannot possibly be solved by skeptics or cynics whose horizons are limited by obvious realities. We need men and women who can dream of things that never were. John F. Kennedy We all can do that if we take off the skeptic or cynic hat. Practice dreaming - and have faith. That is the one thing I am working on right now - faith replacing fear.

The art of relaxing

Michelle — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 12:54:00 GMT

Like I mentioned last week, there isn't much of summer left. Man that is hard to write. It has only started, but that happens every year right - 8 weeks of sun and fun - we have to cram a lot into those 8 weeks called summer. Everything from weddings to family reunions to back to school shopping. This is supposed to be the time we relax, enjoy the sun, have people over for BBQs. Actually this summer we haven't had one wedding to go to. And we have almost felt lost - our 8 weeks haven't been planned out for us. So we've had a change to "practice" unwinding. And believe me - it wasn't that easy at first. The thought of - I should be "doing" something always crept in.

So here are some ideas from an August 2009 Chatelaine article to help you relax. Many of them I have written about before and it doesn't hurt to revisit them again!

1. Hobbies - we all need some. When I talk about gardening and I lose track of time and I am focused on task after task - that is relaxing because of the one-mindedness. The Dr. in the article mentions we should have indoor and outdoor, solitary and social, active and sedentary activities and that we should aim to do at least an hour of relaxation a day. But of course anything is better than nothing! I believe we are all creative so find that outlet and run with it.

2. Meditation - I teach this in my workshop to keep it simple. It can be as basic as 3 deep breaths before bed - boy does it help you sleep. Or 3 deep breaths at a traffic light or any other time you need to zone in. You don't need a separate room and an hour to try and sit still. Start and end the day with 3 deep breaths.

3. Socializing - sometimes it's easier not to bother, but when you manage to get it coordinated it's worth it. Who cares if you have to plan ahead for an outing with friends, or maybe you can make a date to walk with a friend in the evening. Don't forget your significant other too - date nights with lots of cuddling reduces stress.

4. Exercise - get your heart racing. From walking with friends, tennis as a hobby, trying the yoga studio's new class, the possibilities are endless. A trip to the lake to cool off can get your heart racing. Even floating is relaxing - that bio feedback idea - all you can hear is your breath and your heart. Very cool!

5. Chew gum - or watch what you eat when you're stressed. Chewing gum (says one Australian study) reduces stress-hormone levels. Eating yogurt and almonds are better than a sugar fix. As are B vitamins because they help produce serotonin.

Here's hoping you can enjoy a few or all of these ideas as we move into fall. Being in the moment and truly enjoying the fleetingness of summer just makes it seem that much more special.

QUOTES
Show your contempt for the problem and your concern for the person. Jim Rohn

To live in the presence of great truths and eternal laws, to be led by permanent ideals - that is what keeps a man patient when the world ignores him, and calm and unspoiled when the world praises him. Honore De Balzac

End your day by privately looking directly into your eyes in the mirror and saying, 'I love you!' Do this for thirty days and watch how you transform. Mark Victor Hansen

Working toward the future

Michelle — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 13:43:52 GMT

It's hard to believe it's August! The summer is half over - it's dark when I get up again. It is such a fleeting time. Sigh. But I have done my best to enjoy it - to think when a breeze blows by with that certain smell of fresh and green and say - that's what summer smells like. It smells like the lake, the rain on dry ground, it smells like watermelon and berries. Magic.

While enjoying these moments and stringing them together I am preparing for my next 2 workshops in the fall. And I am trying to be proactive because I am running them 2 weekends in a row and shortly after that we are off on a holiday. So it will be a busy time of year. So while I have the time now I can enjoy preparing for the workshops. Things formulate in my head, or come to me as I'm doing something else like cutting flowers for the flower cart. So while living in the present my creative self is working on the future. It's a wonderful feeling to not have to force things. I know I have a lot of work ahead of me - but rolling into these two workshops gently has been a real treat and I am grateful for the opportunity to do that.

So if you are able to take 5 minutes or 15 minutes a day to prepare for something you know is coming - why not start now? If it just means jotting down an idea in your journal, or sending an email - do it now - just make sure the window is open and you can smell the summer,

QUOTES
You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Henry David Thoreau

Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions. Albert Einstein

The pessimist complains about the wind, the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails. William Arthur Ward

If you want more information on the workshops I'm running they are listed below or contact me:

Meeting your Goddess

The Creative Process to Define

and Honor Her

A Goddess is a woman one adores.

Do you love yourself enough to call yourself a goddess?

Learn more about how to be a goddess by exploring the ideas of beauty, passion, intuition and power.

Running Saturday, September 12^th

AND

Practical Tools for improving Your Health & Wellness

Acquire tools to energize your health goals. First we will assess your fitness level, work on setting goals, discuss nutrition, and healthy ways to relieve stress.

Running Saturday September 19^th

Blood Pressure

Michelle — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:23:00 GMT

Gentry has had some issues with his blood pressure in the last month or so and so when I read these RealAge tips I figured there might be other people that are having the same issues. Of course there are many variables that contribute to blood pressure but at least these are things you can incorporate into your diet quite easily.

Bread Helps Your Blood Pressure
Here’s some news to make your heart sing: When you pick the right bread, your blood pressure wins!

Three grains recently tested had blood pressure benefits: whole wheat, barley, and brown rice. Look for them in whole-grain breads, cereals, and other grain-based goodies.

The Whole Story
In a study, all three grains were good for lowering blood pressure in middle-aged people with mildly high cholesterol and prehypertension. How? Chalk up another one for fiber. Both the soluble and insoluble fiber in grains reduce blood pressure -- and soluble fiber takes a bite out of cholesterol, too. High cholesterol and high blood pressure often occur together, and the combo is doubly dangerous for your heart and blood vessels.
That sounds very doable - especially since it is very easy to find whole wheat bread and pasta and to eat brown rice. Even barley is easy to cook as a side dish. The healthiest one of course is the pot barley - you can find it in the baking aisle with the dry beans.

Give Your Blood Pressure This Daily Treat
Just 30 calories per day of chocolate may be enough to help reduce your blood pressure. As far as serving sizes go, that’s about a Hershey’s Kiss worth.

But you have to eat the right kind of chocolate, according to Joseph Maroon, MD, author of The Longevity Factor. He recommends nonsweetened or minimally sweetened dark chocolate that’s at least 70 percent cocoa.

Crazy for Cocoa
Dark chocolate can also help reduce atherosclerosis and blood clotting, aid blood flow, contribute to an overall reduction in heart attacks, and improve cholesterol levels, according to Maroon. And it’s all thanks to the powerful antioxidants found in the cocoa bean.
It is definitely more work to find the right kind of chocolate with 70 percent cocoa - stock up when you find it. But when you're only having a serving the size of a Hershey Kiss - it lasts a long time!

The Health Benefits of Being Cheap

Whether you call it cheap, frugal, penny-pinching, or prudent, we call saving money smart, especially when it involves eating one of the cheapest sources of protein, fiber, and flavor available. Humble, tasty beans have an impressive portfolio of benefits. Here’s what you’ll cash in on when you eat them:

• A healthier heart -- Beans reduce your levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a likely indicator of heart disease risk. How? Probably due to their fiber. Black beans contain 7 grams of fiber per 1/2 cup serving, which gets you well on your way to the recommended 25 grams a day. Remember to add Beano, an enzyme that helps you break down the beans without the side effect of gas, so you don’t clear out every elevator you get into.

Legumes may also reduce your lousy LDL cholesterol. In fact, LDL dropped when people ate half a cup of cooked pinto beans every day for 12 weeks. (Any beans would probably do the trick). That seems like a lot of beans every day! I am trying to find great, easy bean recipes so it is easier to add them in to our diets. If you have great recipes let me know. And I will try and post some of the recipes I've got too.

• Lower blood pressure -- Get your protein from plants and your blood pressure may be lower than if you got protein from animal sources. The plants’ amino acids (building blocks of protein), magnesium, and other nutrients may help keep arteries relaxed. Some beans contain more protein per serving than lean meat. Example: Kidney beans have 16 grams of protein per cup; turkey holds 12 grams in 3 ounces. Plus as a vegetable the beans count as vegetables servings too! Beans aren't a complete protein though so you do need to know quite abit about protein sources before you become a vegetarian or you can get quite sick. I have some information on it but not much since I'm not planning on being a vegetarian any time soon.

• A smaller waist -- Bean eaters weigh as much as 6.6 pounds less than folks who don’t eat beans. Makes sense when you consider beans are not only full of satisfying fiber and protein but also low in calorie-laden fat. They are cheap and sooo good for you. So really try working them into your meals more often. Canned beans are the easiest to use - just rinse them well and away you go - from hummus to a variety of salad options to soups and stews..... worth adding to the grocery list in the long run.

QUOTES
I usually try to find a theme for the quotes but this week I really went very random. Maybe that is how life has to be sometimes - if we are listening then the randomness really isn't all that random right?

Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish. John Quincy Adams

Perhaps all the dragons in our lives are but princesses that are waiting to see us act just once with beauty and courage. Perhaps everything terrible is in its deepest essence, something helpless that needs our love. Rainer Maria Rilke

There is nothing so fatal to character as half finished tasks. David Lloyd George

Worthiness

Michelle — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 12:58:00 GMT

I read an article in Chatelaine on women spending money. And when I cut the article out and kept it I wrote on the top Worthiness. The perspective I want to add to this article is that women often don't believe they deserve to spend money on themselves. One of the women quoted in the article mentioned that "Women find it much easier to spend money on other people than on themselves". No big surprise right? We can always justify if for someone else. But why not for ourselves?

This is where the idea of worthiness comes in. The definition of worthiness from wordnetweb states: The quality or state of having merit or value. And one of the issues I came across many times as I was coaching women one-on-one about their weight is lack of self-worth. When I would introduce the idea of taking care of themselves in order to lose weight, it was quite foreign to them. You might not even see the connection between your health and self-worth. But I totally believe that we have to be content and happy within ourselves in order to even want to take care of our bodies. Of course they feed off of each other - once you begin taking care of the inside and it feels good, then it's easier to take care of the body. And as your body responds you feel good about yourself.

The most important part of worth (that quality or state of having merit or value) is when we add in the concept of self. It isn't about how anyone else thinks of you, it is about how you feel about yourself. Women tend to look to others for that definition. They rely on the state of their relationships to define themselves. I encourage women at Dragonflies and Daisies and in every workshop I do to find out what is really important to them. And once you have added those special things to your lives watch how powerful the changes are. Where to begin.... it isn't so much where but when and the answer is NOW!

Crank up your awareness by asking the simple question - what do I like to do? Next - start adding it in to your life - maybe in small increments of time and money. Is it music, is it photography or walking alone? Do you want guitar lessons, a book on photography or new running shoes? As you journal ask yourself the questions:

What do I like to do?
What are my 3 favorite things?
Do I have an Absolute YES list? (email me and I can expand on this if you like, it's a great tool)

Take a step and watch the Universe meet you with excitement and joy!

Quotes
Nothing you know is worth anything if you don't know how to be proud of yourself. Author Unknown

You have to start knowing yourself so well that you begin to know other people. A piece of us is in every person we can ever meet. Stephen King Night Shift

Self esteem is the reputation we acquire with ourselves. Nathaniel Branden

Feedback from the June 27th event

Michelle — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:05:00 GMT

Well my first Dragonflies and Daisies event has been and gone. It was a beautiful day with 6 truly inspiring women. I wanted to share some of the comments they provided me with after the event. After hearing these wouldn't it be nice if we would do this for each other on a regular basis.

"Excellent, very well organized. Inspirational. Genuine and courageous. A light in the world. An example of how to live. We teach best by being an example and truly living according to our true nature. Thank you for sharing your dream and gifts with us. Good luck! God bless." Kelsie R

"Michelle your sense of timing is impeccable. You kept us going without rushing but I'm sure there will be repeats from those who just have a taste now of your motivating nature." Elizabeth

"Michelle is an extraordinary facilitator who 'walks the walk.' She has taken her pain and created a program that inspires women to live their lives with passion and self-care. I am so grateful that I got to be part of the maiden voyage. Thanks Michelle." Jade S

I am blessed to be able to touch people in my way and see the connection be made. I love my life!!!
I have now left my job and am moving into a new phase in my life. It is uncertain but I will be busy doing the business plan for Dragonflies and Daisies. This scares me - what if the numbers tell me my dream isn't feasible? I will press on - there is always a way to make things happen right? It requires that we be creative and that we persevere. I am learning to be open to that.

My flowers are slow to bloom - the rain has been great and much needed. I know as soon as the sun and heat comes I will have flowers galore to share on my flower cart. I have sweet peas for the first time in a couple of years. They are my favorite - I simply can't think of a scent I love more. Yum!!

I've got to keep this short - I've got Stampede rodeo to watch, boating to do - it's a busy weekend!!

Quotes
When you determine what you want, you have made the most important decision in your life. You have to know what you want in order to attain it. Douglas Lurtan I believe this is what most people struggle with - knowing what they want. It sounds easy but until they are aware of their life and the choices they are making, it is impossible to know what they want. I believe that journaling / morning pages are a great way to open that conversation with yourself.

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. Maya Angelou

Summer time eating

Michelle — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:36:00 GMT

Good morning everyone! It's Saturday morning and I have put my flower cart out for the first time this year. Last week was my Dragonflies and Daisies event so I used all of my flowers at the event. But I can now finally share with everyone. The sweet peas are growing but no blooms yet. I think they are late this year. Everything else is coming - I expect in a few weeks I will have lots of zinnias, snapdragons and cosmos. I can't wait!!

But let's talk nutrition. This is the time of year to really start enjoying the variety of fresh fruits and veggies - hopefully you've even got some in your garden. I've got spinach and lettuce, radishes, strawberries and tomatoes. The carrots are coming. YUM! These next couple of articles from RealAge are great reminders on how to get the most bang for your nutritional buck. Enjoy and if you are ever around Stavely on a Saturday morning come and check out My Cart Blossoms. Remember the earth smiles in flowers.

7 Ways to Eat More and Weigh Less

Everyone who has ever tried to lose weight is on a first-name basis with lettuce. But who isn't bored silly by a bowl of greens with some diced chicken on top? To really fill up yet eat fewer calories -- and have a delicious time doing it -- use a clever kind of portion distortion that fills up your plate and your belly, not your clothes. A few mind/taste tricks help, too. Here are seven savvy ways to feed your growling tummy but wind up with a flat stomach.

• Spice it up. Zesty herbs and flavorful spices seem to speed-dial a satisfying message to your brain. So boost the flavor of your dishes with virtually calorie-free seasonings. It should trigger the sensation of fullness faster than bland dishes do, say researchers at the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation. Try growing some great herbs yourself - chives are so easy, This year I am trying oregano, tarragon and rosemary.

• Hit the bar. Your supermarket's salad bar that is. Take the boredom out of rabbit food by trying new veggies or using ones you don't usually have time to prep (beets, artichokes). Sure, it's a bit pricier than cleaning and chopping your own, but when you factor in what won't go bad in the crisper bin, the cost evens out. Top with a sprinkle of feta, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and a dash of cayenne pepper for extra punch. I am using a lot more beans (vegetable source and protein source) in my cooking and avocados - so just try to find some new recipes and start introducing some great seasonal vegetables.

• Pump it up. Air has no calories. Think about it. One food expert who did: Pennsylvania State University nutritionist Barbara Rolls, PhD, author of The Volumetrics Eating Plan. She says that when you eat foods that are puffed up (think popcorn) or whipped (egg whites), you consume around 30% fewer calories but feel just as satisfied.

• Dull your dinner appetite. Dinner is when it's easiest to overdo, so fill up first with this tip from YOU: On a Diet. About 20 minutes before dinner, drink at least 8 ounces of water with up to 1 tablespoon of fiber-packed psyllium (silly-um) powder. All that natural fiber means you won't need as much food in order to feel satisfied. (If you aren't used to eating a lot of fiber, start with 1 teaspoon or less and work up, so your GI tract has time to get used to it.)

• Avoid "dry" fruit. Water adds weight and volume to food, but zero calories, so pick water-packed fruit, says Rolls. For example, for 100 calories you can have one small banana OR 2 cups of grapes, 2 1/2 cups of watermelon, or 2 1/2 cups of strawberries.

• Eat soup. Foods with a high water content help stave off hunger and make you feel full, says Rolls. If hot soup is on summer vacation from your menu, try a cold one, like Spiced Blueberry Soup. The ginger and cinnamon fit right in with the "spice it up" strategy above.

• Make it pretty. A big pile of juicy mixed fruit or bright steamed vegetables is even more satisfying if it's served on a pretty plate and garnished with mint, herbs, or a sprinkling of coconut -- not just dumped into a bowl. We taste first with our eyes . . . something the French figured out first, says Brian Wansink, PhD, professor of nutritional science at Cornell University and author of Mindless Eating.

Gentry's blood pressure is needing to be monitored so when I read this next note, guess what has now become even more of a staple in his diet than it already is!
Berries for Your Blood Pressure
Don't think of them as a treat. Berries should get daily play in your diet -- especially if you’re at all concerned about your blood pressure.

People with high BP who ate berries daily as part of a study saw a 7-point dip in their systolic blood pressure -- after just 8 weeks of berry love!

Bursting with Goodness
Berries have a lot going for them: They're jam-packed with polyphenols, like flavonols and anthocyanins. Plus, they're loaded with vitamin C, folate, potassium, and fiber. With so much in such a tiny package, it's hardly a surprise that it took just 4 ounces of a berry medley each day to boost the health of the study participants. Not only did their blood pressure go down, but their HDL ("good" cholesterol) went up, too

A few quotes for the week - here is to enjoying all of those summer moments - what about lying on the grass watching the clouds roll by with your kids or significant other?
A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist. Louis Nizer So my question is - are you an artist as you work on your life?

The greatest composer does not sit down to work because he is inspired, but becomes inspired because he is working. Ernest Newman Again what are you composing in your life - get to work!! Make it happen.

Do you truly know?

Michelle — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 12:55:00 GMT

Are your goals really you?
Do you really want them?
Sometimes we set goals because we know we should. To lose weight or to stop smoking. But do you really want to do those things? When we are living in a place where we believe the world is a better place if we are being responsible and approved then those goals will matter to us. And we will try time and again to achieve them and more than likely fail. But what if the world was truly a better place if we lived consciously, creatively listening to our wantings and knowings. Then set our goals based on that.

I believe we can't begin to be motivated to accomplish our goals if we haven't got in touch with our authentic self. How do we know what we need to do if we don't know who we truly are? The question you might be asking yourself now that indicates your authentic life is yet to be lived - is this all there really is?

To begin on the road to your authentic self there are many things you can do. Read the inspiring books (The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron is my all time favorite), watch the inspiring movies (Emmanuel's Gift is one I just watched - thanks Angie). And ask some simple questions like:
What would I do if it weren't too selfish?
What are my needs?
These 2 questions you must know by heart and from your heart.

When you have answered those 2 questions then you can begin with setting some authentic goals that you will find easier to motivate yourself towards. These 2 questions will not be easy to answer at first and you may need help. That is what Dragonflies and Daisies the Garden Retreat is for. My purpose in life is to help others live in awareness and to ensure it is with justice. Awareness awakens the passion to take care of yourself, know what matters to you and justice enables you to believe you deserve it. I do this by empowering you to be open to all possibilities through stillness and self care. I want to help you! And that is why I have created Dragonflies and Daisies the Garden Retreat - it has a mission of providing a safe place for others to come and practice awareness through stillness and self care in a natural, nurturing setting. Let's start on the road to authenticity together.

Quotes to inspire
Authentic success is knowing how simply abundant your life is exactly as it is today.
Authentic success is being so grateful for the many blessings bestowed on you and yours that you can share your portion with others.
Authentic success is living each day with a heart overflowing. Sarah Ban Breathnach

Failure stretches us beyond our conscious capacity so that we can grow into our authentic selves. This is failure's generous gift. In life the worst thing that can happen isn't failing. It's never having tried. Sarah Ban Breathnach

Summer in the garden

Michelle — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 14:14:00 GMT

I am sitting on my deck this Saturday morning enjoying my most favorite time of the year - summer mornings. The trees in my yard have grown so much that I don't get the sun on my deck as early as I used to. It's just after 8 a.m. and I've got to wear a coat. I love this time of the day because it's still quiet. No one is mowing their lawn and there isn't much traffic. The birds are everywhere chirping and playing in the birdbath.

I am hoping to have enough flowers for cutting by next weekend. There are just some daisies and irises this week. Not enough to put out on the cart. So this weekend I am busy weeding my beds, giving everything some much needed water and fertilizer as it has been mild, dry and unsettled. Very unusual for us. Everything is growing quite nicely, I've reseeded radishes as my first row has been eaten. I will be eating the spinach this week as well.

There is so much to look forward to this time year - the fact that it is summer, the garden, time with family and friends on the deck, in the boat. We were at the neighbors last night for birthday cake and a bonfire after watching Gentry's grandson Jayden graduate from kindergarten. It was one of the most moving ceremonies I've seen. The slide show for the class was set to the music Let Them Be Little and Rascal Flats My Wish. Well the tears were flowing and there was a very special picture of Jayden eye-to-eye with his dad that was absolutely magical. I can't imagine what it would have been like if I had had children!!

The big excitement is to present my first Dragonflies and Daisies event in my back yard next Saturday morning. I have the tent up so no matter what the weather brings us we will be able to enjoy the garden. I'm so excited to start this journey - commit to my dream and start making it happen. My summer goals are to complete my business plan and launch the Dragonflies and Daisies website. And of course having the flower cart every Saturday morning - my most favorite thing ever!

I've given my notice at work for July 8th and will be actively looking for a part-time income. It's time to leap and take care of myself.

I got my iPod for my birthday and am pretty sure that is going to help me with my goal of writing 5 songs by the end of September!

We created a new shrub bed for my brother in Kimberley last weekend and finally my body is catching up - I have had a few wonderful mornings in my garden this week and I can feel a settling in my bones. One of those moments was as I was weeding below my oak tree, the branches would tickle the small of my back, where my shirt wasn't. It was a wonderful feeling. None of my other trees have that same "touch". It was so wonderful.

Registration for the event closes on Tuesday, June 23rd. I need to know how many people I am preparing snacks for!!

Check out my new logo

And here are a few of my garden photos - this was taken the day my Patty's Plum poppy 'popped'!

And I waited a long time to get one of these bees long enough on one of the columbines.

And here is the picture of the bed we created from scratch for my brother.

I won't give you any quotes today since I've shared so many photos.

A short note and a reminder

Michelle — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:09:00 GMT

I have been a little amiss in adding to my blog lately. I'm afraid after I posted the one regarding my Garden Retreat event on June 27th I have been focused on the event. I am going to add a nutrition note today with a few RealAge tips and hopefully get back on track for my regular Monday submissions.

A Brew That Prevents Parkinson’s?
Tea time. What better way to give your body and mind a little breather? But if you choose a certain color of tea, you may really do your brain a favor.

A large study in Singapore showed that black tea might have the power to slash Parkinson’s disease risk by almost a third.

Hormone Helper?
In the study, people who drank the most black tea were 29 percent less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease (PD), compared with the least enthusiastic black-tea drinkers. Although the researchers were poised to credit the caffeine in black tea for the benefit, it turned out not to be so. Instead, it may be that black tea somehow affects estrogen levels in a favorable anti-Parkinson’s way (the disease is less common in women than in men). Interestingly, green tea showed no protective effects against PD.

More Tea-Time Extras
There’s no shortage of other reasons to drink tea, including:

A healthier heart. The brew is bursting with cardioprotective polyphenols.
Lower odds of female cancers. Drinking tea may cut the risk of ovarian cancer by almost half.
Less stress. In a study, men who drank a black-tea-like beverage recovered more quickly from a stressful event.

I know I've written about tea before but it bears repeating - black tea is good for you too! It is something I am going to share at the Garden Retreat event - a time out for a tea break. Couldn't we all use a tea break more often then not!

A Creamy Treat for "Lungevity"

Step one for preventing lung cancer: Say no to tobacco. Step two: Have a tablespoon of vitamin-E-rich peanut butter.

Although many studies have suggested that taking high-dose vitamin E supplements may cause lung cancer, one new study bucks the trend. It revealed a possible lung benefit from dietary E -- the kind you get from peanut butter, nuts, and seeds.

Foods You Can Use
It's another argument for getting the nutrients you need from foods, not pills. In the study, people who had the highest intake of vitamin E from foods had a 55 percent lower risk of lung cancer compared with the people who got the least amount of vitamin E in their diets. Dietary alpha-tocopherol, the type of E found in peanut butter and oil-based salad dressings, was particularly protective.

More E for the Road
Why the difference between vitamin E supplements and dietary vitamin E? Clinical trials involving vitamin E supplements tend to use the synthetic form of alpha-tocopherol. So it may be that there is something unique to natural alpha-tocopherol that produces a health benefit. Or something else in alpha-tocopherol-rich food may be helpful for lungs. Here are some other benefits of getting extra E:

A reduced risk of Alzheimer's.
A stronger body.
Younger eyes.

So many reasons to love your nuts for a snack and to use that oil dressing on your salad! Perfect!!

If you are interested in registering for the Garden Retreat on Saturday, June 27th please remember the deadline is Tuesday, June 23rd. Since I will be sharing some great, healthy snacks I need to know how many people to prepare for! The blog posting so you read up on the event is located at http://support.mylifeblossoms.com/2009/06/02/dragonflies-and-daisies--the-garden-retreat.aspx.

Now for a few great quotes:
Before you can inspire with emotion, you must be swamped with it yourself. Before you can move their tears, your own must flow. To convince them, you must yourself believe. Winston Churchill This one I can so relate too - I definitely have emotion when I talk about the garden retreat!

Do not worry. I once heard that worry is the wrong use of the imagination. That is perhaps the best definition I have ever heard. Worry is just thinking about all of the bad possibilities, isn't it? Well, courage is just thinking about all the great possibilities and then acting upon them! Jim Rohn

The truth is that you can spend your life any way you want, but you can spend it only once. John C Maxwell

Dragonflies and Daisies The Garden Retreat

Michelle — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 01:41:00 GMT

Dragonflies and Daisies The Garden Retreat
Practicing awareness through stillness and self care

To all of the girls, women, ladies, friends and family who would like to spend some time together in a natural, nurturing setting. On June 27th, in Stavely, Alberta (just an hour south of Calgary or an hour north of Lethbridge on Hwy 2) come and spend 4 hours dedicated to You!

Would you like to feel more energized and at the same time more grounded? We will discuss motivation and goal setting as we work towards a healthier lifestyle. We will try some easy, healthy recipes and enjoy tea with our friends.
Or do you really know what it's like to be still? Being surrounded by the beauty of the garden will allow us to appreciate the tranquility.
Can we ever get too much self care? We will explore our creative side in this natural, nurturing setting.

Introducing owner and facilitator, Michelle Collins, Life Gardener

Michelle is an avid Alberta gardener. Michelle envisioned, developed and founded the My Life Blossoms Program – a women’s self care program that is aimed to improving health, weight and whole being. She is now planning to use those same tools and practices in a special setting to her - the garden. Dragonflies and Daisies provides a safe place for others to come and practice awareness through stillness and self care in a natural, nurturing setting.

Michelle has shared her wellness ideas through courses and presentations on numerous topics including:

“The Healing Spirit of Your Garden,”
“Come Play in My Garden,”
"Mandalas, Coloring for Grown Ups"
“Tea Tasting 101”

"An Introduction to Living Creatively"

Michelle's backyard is located at 5203 50th Street (the house with the blue door). This event will take place from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. with refreshments and snacks provided.

To register or for more information:

email dragonfly@platinum.ca or

call 403-549-2031.

Registration deadline - Tuesday, June 23rd.

Space is limited so book now.

This wonderful event costs only $40 per person. Payment accepted on the day of the event via cash or cheque.

A toast to celebrating birthdays

Michelle — Sat, 30 May 2009 13:54:00 GMT

So today, Monday, June 1 is my 41st birthday. And aren't birthdays a great time for reflection, resetting the compass and moving forward. I'm very fortunate - every 6 months I have these natural reminders - New Years and my birthday - exactly 6 months apart. I've never thought of that before! But isn't it strange how when we are on a positive roll we have no trouble finding motivation and moving forward. Then for a variety of reasons things slowly start to fade. Our motivation, our drive - whatever you want to call it.

I've noticed my motivation severely dwindle over the last 6 months and I know it is due to stress. As the stress got worse I got more irritable and would make worse and worse diet choices. Or maybe the diet choices came first then I became more irritable. What I knew was that I needed to get a handle on my health again. So I started the cleanse from H-Trio. I can send you the guide if you want more information on it. But it really isn't difficult. You can eat the same diet if you choose but I looked at this as my jump start to regaining control.  I cut back on my dairy, refined sugars, alcohol, caffeine etc. Not difficult to do. You commit to doing this for a month and right now I am half way through and besides my body feeling better, I have noticed that I am thinking clearer too.

I attribute the clear thinking to 2 things - the commitment to my health tells my mind that I believe I am worth taking care of. And that commitment then lets my mind get busy and take care of me. I've made some pretty big decisions in the last week and I know the clear thinking comes from a clearer body. Also it is gardening season full on.  Most of my Free days / evenings are spent in the garden with the plants I've been nurturing since March. I talk to them, I imagine all the flowers on my cart this summer. My mind isn't thinking of anything else - one-mindedness. And that is called meditation. Sigh. I encourage everyone to find those passions that bring us that one-mindedness and start practicing. Say no to the duties that take you away from the potential time for ourselves. Start practicing now, so that when your next birthday or New Years rolls around you can look back with a smile and know where you've been, feel comfortable in the place you are now and be excited about what lies ahead.

Quotes
When gardeners garden, it is not just plants that grow, but the gardeners themselves.   Ken Druse

Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes and having fun. Mary Lou Cook - Artist

The seasons do not push one another; neither do clouds race the wind across the sky. All things happen in their own good time. Dan Millman

Remember I am hosting the first Dragonflies and Daisies event Saturday, June 27th in Stavely. 4 hours of your precious time to tend to your own awareness through stillness and self care.

Closer to the dream

Michelle — Sat, 23 May 2009 12:39:00 GMT

As I am becoming more aware of living in the moment - meaning not wishing it was the weekend or wishing my commute home was over so I could be gardening - it means I am getting closer to the dream of opening a garden retreat. Most people aren't even sure what a garden retreat is. Let me introduce you to my garden retreat - Dragonflies and Daisies. The mission of the retreat is as follows: Dragonflies and Daisies provides a safe place for others to come and practice awareness through stillness and self care in a natural, nurturing setting. So when I do my first event for Dragonflies and Daisies on June 27th it will have all of the components of the mission because the mission is what drives the retreat. These components are:

Provides a safe place - this means we will focus on and honor everyone's safety and acceptance
For others - I am providing this opportunity for all women
Practice awareness - as part of my purpose I am here to help others live in awareness - in those moments of our lives
Through stillness - and I do this by showing people how to get quiet with themselves
and self care - through creativity like you've never thought of creativity
in a natural, nurturing setting - I am using my backyard garden because it is a natural, nurturing setting.

I have put together some great ideas for June 27th and will keep you updated on more Dragonflies and Daisies progress. I have registered the trade name and am looking for a great web design company so I can see the garden retreat come to life on the screen. Of course the idea of marketing and finding the people who want / need my services will be the next opportunity. I'm sure we all know of someone who needs more stillness and self care in their life. Right?

Now for a few quotes to keep us living and thinking of living with greater awareness:
Creativity can solve almost any problem. The creative act, the defeat of habit by originality, overcomes everything. George Lois

As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has - or ever will have - something inside that is unique to all time. It's our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression. Fred Rogers

Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear. Mark Twain

Just a few nutrition notes

Michelle — Sat, 16 May 2009 13:39:00 GMT

There is so much information out there on nutrition. And sometimes if you only take one idea from all that you read in the day I think that's pretty good. Whether you add something new to your diet, or find a better snack to replace one you already have or you figure out another way to eat chicken so your family doesn't roll their eyes when they ask what's for dinner then you're improving. Most of these notes are from RealAge. No sense reinventing the wheel, right!

3 Nontraditional Comfort Foods
That bowl of ice cream made you feel better. For about 2 minutes. Now you need a nap.

Next time you need a pick-me-up, reach for one of these three foods instead. Research shows they offer real mood-boosting benefits -- without inducing a food coma.

1. Fortified cereal
Yep, another reason to eat your Wheaties. A bowl of fortified cereal is a great way to get a boatload of energy-boosting B vitamins, which work to curb tension, moodiness, irritability, and depression.

2. Something made with saffron
Small-scale studies have found that saffron -- the trademark spice in many yellow-hued Indian, Moroccan, and Asian dishes -- can ease symptoms of depression with virtually no risk of side effects. Although it’s a somewhat pricey spice, a little bit goes a long way.

3. Fish dishes
Research shows that people with lower blood levels of EPA and DHA -- two fatty acids found in several kinds of fish -- are more likely to show symptoms of mild to moderate depression. So snack on some tuna salad or finish off the salmon from last night’s dinner.
Would I call these comfort foods? Or even easy to access - I don't think my local Sobey's carries saffron. But the cereal is a great idea. And of course we all need to work a little more fish into our diets right?

An Easy Way to Cut 220 Calories
Removing 220 calories from your day could make a big difference to your waistline, right?

So here's the simple way to make it happen: Set your DVR to record your favorite late-night shows. Then, hit the hay. In a study, people who stayed up late -- and got less sleep as a result -- munched down 220 more daily calories than the hit-the-sack-early crowd.

Nocturnal Noshing
The people in the study with later bedtimes averaged about 5.5 hours of sleep per night. The folks who crashed earlier slept about 8.5 hours. Although the sleep-deprived did not eat bigger meals, they did snack more than the well-rested group -- and usually on high-carb foods eaten late in the evening.

Sleep/Eat Connection
Researchers suspect the night owls ate more not just because they had more opportunity but also because sleep loss may affect reward-motivation brain neurons in a way that leads to more snacking.
I am a big one for getting to bed early. I believe it doesn't matter which way you do it. If you go to bed late and get up late, or go to bed early and get up early, the main idea is that your body needs more than 6 hours of sleep a night to function at it's best. I sure notice when I'm tired that I definitely eat more - I don't know if it is a way of keeping me going (fuel) or I just have less reasoning.

QUOTES - these are all quotes about goals. This is a great time to refocus and set some great goals for the summer. Is it a twice weekly bike ride with the kids? Is it less ice cream and more angel food cake and fresh berries? What are you waiting for?
You can't concentrate on the reverse of an idea. A fear is a goal moving in the opposite direction from your desire. Denis Waitley

The major reason for setting a goal is for what it makes of you to accomplish it. What it makes of you will always be the far greater value than what you get. Jim Rohn

If you go to work on your goals, your goals will go to work on you. If you go to work on your plan, your plan will go to work on you. Whatever good things we build end up building us. Jim Rohn.

What do you think thin people do differently?

Michelle — Sat, 09 May 2009 13:24:00 GMT

This is from a magazine article I read where they are studying how thin vs heavy people think and act to see if there is a difference. I know you will be able to think of one thin friend that doesn't follow any of these examples. But it's just some ideas to keep us on track most of the time.

1. Having a salad or water based soup before a meal means you'll eat less for the rest of the meal.

2. Portion size - filling your plate with fruit, vegetables and lean protein means less room for the carbs. Remember I always say if you want a second helping - have some more veggies!

3. Thin people prioritize and put themselves first - exercise and a healthy diet are worked into the every day routine like brushing their teeth.

4. Thin people have thin parents - which is partially to genetics but also to environment. If you were raised to be active and to eat well, chances are you will continue to do so.

5. Thin people don't skip meals. When you are ravenous you are more likely to overeat.

6. Thin people limit their options. The more types of foods we have available, the more we tend to eat. So make sure you have variety but the variety is in low calorie foods like vegetables, fruits and soups.

7. Thin people don't sit still. One study showed that the thin people were always moving - more likely to stand, walk and fidget. So parking your car farther away in the parking lot will help. As will regular exercise.

8. Thin people weigh themselves. Not obsessively, not agonizing, but maybe a couple of times a week. This way you catch the weight gain sooner and can choose to act.

9. Thin people don't skip breakfast. Need I give you the spiel on this adage again!? Remember you'll eat less during the day if you have breakfast!

10. Thin people enjoy their food. They eat without self-reproach, there is no guilt. Think of it as your body having a budget, we should spend on what we eat selectively, not compulsively.

11. Thin people practice early intervention. Thin people do gain weight but they intervene earlier.

12. Thin people do what works. Those who don't gain or regain weight have come up with effective, specific, and often personal ways to keep their weight in check. When good habits are integrated into your life, something shifts. For the thin, feeling strong, healthy, and slim are powerful rewards and their chief motivation to continue. More than 90% of those who have mastered weight maintenance feel like they're not dieting. It becomes a way of life.

So how is that for some motivating ideas for the RealSimple magazine. Now here are a few quotes, hopefully equally as motivating.

Have the dogged determination to follow through to achieve your goal: regardless of circumstances or whatever other people say, think, or do. Paul Meyer

Achieving goals by themselves will never make us happy in the long term; it's who you become, as you overcome the obstacles necessary to achieve your goals, that can give you the deepest and most long-lasting sense of fulfillment. Anthony Robbins Motivational speaker and management consultant.

Identify the major obstacle that stands between you and your goal and begin today to remove it. Brian Tracy

The Month of May

Michelle — Sun, 03 May 2009 20:09:00 GMT

Well we are into one of my most favorite months - May. It's so great because May is finally when I can get out into my garden. It's when all of those little seedlings are just begging to get outside. And believe me I have to oblige, there isn't room to move for plants in every window of the house. It's when a walk in the garden every day brings something fresh and new. The different tulips pop their colorful and graceful heads, the perennials start to peak their bright green shoots out toward that finally warm sun.

And it is especially a time when I start to feel a whole lot more like my authentic self. I'm in my yard, I'm with my plants. And the conflict magnifies too - going to work gets tough. All that time spent at my job takes away from my authentic self. I dream of the day when going out to my garden and greeting people in my garden will become my reality. In fact I am beginning to do more of that this summer. I will be hosting Meet the Goddess in the Garden on June 27th for all of my past clients and new friends alike.

We will be practicing stillness and awareness in a natural, nurturing setting - for one short but empowering afternoon. I can hardly wait. In the mean time I am working on transforming my identity from My Life Blossoms to Dragonflies and Daisies. A new website and a new logo will be out before June 27th. It is time to start living life more authentically by the minute.

This weekend we hosted a bevy of friends and family for the Stavely Rodeo and I channeled the idea of my garden retreat all weekend. My home has now become that relaxing haven to all that matter to me. I had wonderful comments of such a relaxing weekend, feeling welcome and truly taken care of. That is exactly what the retreat will do. So there is no time like the present to begin channeling that feeling.

I will also work on finding that perfect work from home job that allows me the energy and the space to focus on my garden and garden retreat. I know there is some wonderful company out there that needs me to take care of their data remotely. The push is on - no time wasted on commuting - just flexible hours - not every day but enough to pay my bills and keep the heat off of Gentry.

Here is to an amazing month of May with measurable goals and gifts around every corner.

Now for a few quotes that help you make your May as marvelous as you can!
To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end in life.           Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894)       Writer

No one has an exclusive on opportunity. When the sun rises, it rises for everyone.   Chinese proverb

A life that hasn't a definite plan is likely to become driftwood.     David Sarnoff       (1891-1971)     Media executive